This ain't no opera

Don Yates

11/02/2006

Now is the time for all good Vanderbilt fans to come to the aid of their team. A home field advantage is important to any sports team that wants any kind of success. The Vanderbilt football team is no different. This team is close, very close to getting to a bowl. Vandy fans can do their part to help this team get to the next level: a winning season and a bowl game.

Let's take a look at some basic tips on
being a good Vanderbilt fan.

Go to the darn games:You've
got your season tickets, check; you've donated to the Commodore Club, check; now
it's time to get to the game.The
leaves in the yard can wait another day.Forget the church bazaar.Get your tail into the stadium.Wifey/hubby can't go?So what? Invite a friend.Can't find anyone?Go alone.All Vandy fans are your friends.You are no good to the team if you
aren't in the stands supporting them.Get to the
stadium.

What to bring:Show
your pride by wearing Black and Gold.Bring that old shaker, they don't always hand them out.A portable radio with an earpiece
is nice so you can hear Joe Fisher's play calling while you watch the
action.A pair of binoculars
is important, especially if your seat is by one of the end zones.Don't forget your glasses.Have a poncho or two in the trunk in
case of rain.The team still needs
your support even in the rain.Most
of all, don't forget those tickets!

What to leave at home: Your embroidery can wait another day.You won't need the game boy or PSP
either.Pets aren't allowed
in the stadium, so leave the toy poodle at home.Get a baby sitter for un-potty
trained children.Drunk fans tend
to do stupid stuff so the flask can stay at home also.

Get to your seat BEFORE kickoff:Put
down the cocktail.Drop the hot
wing.VU students that pretty
sorority girl will be there after the game.Get to the stadium on time.Try to be seated at least 10
minutes prior to kickoff.Remember,
it takes some time to weave through the ticket guy, the 103 year old lady that's
lost, the concession stand lines and just people everywhere, so get there
early.If you aren't seated at
least before the National Anthem is played then you've failed at this task and
have let the team down.Remember,
the players look up at the stands when they come out and a stadium full of Black
and Gold helps to fire them up.

Many games feature critical plays in the
first few minutes that eventually help decide the game.Your presence is
needed.

When NOT to yell:When
your team is on offense (this means they have the ball), you should only yell
AFTER the play or when they score.Do not yell at start of the play.This helps the other team as it makes it harder for our quarterback to
give directions to his teammates.

When to yell loud: When the other team is on offense yell loud when
they are getting ready to start a play.You need to especially yell loud
during third down or goal line situations.This is important because if they
don't convert the third down then this means Vandy will likely be getting the
ball back, which is a good thing.

Basic yelling tips:Yell
ALMOST as loud as you can.If you
yell as loud as you can you'll be horse by the second quarter and useless from
there on.Cup your hands around
your mouth and make a megaphone.Instead of just hollering in a consistent stream of sound, try holding
the air in your lungs and just letting out sharp bursts of sound, staggering the
intervals.This will help
conserve your voice for the fourth quarter and also make it even harder for the
opposing quarterback to give directions to his teammates.Remember also to project the sound
towards their quarterback, not the fan seated next to you.You may not feel like you are
doing much but if you have 30,000 fans doing this it can get real loud.Noise making devices are not allowed in
Vanderbilt Stadium unless you are a member of the band.Also, don't yell smack talk at
opposing players. You'll just fire them up.Stick with making lots of noise to
make it harder for their quarterback when they are on offense.

If you can't yell: Clap.If you're in the steel stadium section, stomp.Do something to help build a supportive
atmosphere.

After the game: It's okay to celebrate a victory and have fun but
don't taunt opposing fans. This makes Vanderbilt look bush league and could get
you in a fight and land you in jail.

We all are hoping for another Vanderbilt
win on Saturday.Let's all do our
part in helping the team accomplish its goal of a winning season and a
bowl.Be there and be loud!

NOTE:As
ofThursday less than 3,000 tickets were remaining for the regular season
final vs. Tenneseee.Tickets
for both Florida ($40) and Tennessee ($50) are available online at
www.vucommodores.com, by phone at (615) 322-GOLD at the Vanderbilt Athletic
Ticket Office on-campus in the McGugin Center. Hours for the ticket office are
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.